Cooler table
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Solution Overview
Problem
In outdoor settings, coolers are often used as makeshift surfaces for items like food and beverages, but this obstructs the cooler's operation and leaves items vulnerable to dirt, steps, and wildlife, as there are limited flat surfaces available.
Innovation Solution
A table assembly with a mounting bracket that can be coupled to a cooler, providing a stable and elevated surface for items without interfering with the cooler's operation, using a mounting slot and fasteners to secure the table to the cooler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If items are placed on top of the cooler, then a surface is provided for items, but the cooler becomes inconvenient to open
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the system into two separate components: a cooler and a detachable table assembly. The table can be attached when needed for serving items and removed when the cooler needs to be accessed, eliminating the interference between having a surface and being able to open the cooler.
Solution Approach 2:
The table assembly is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable to the cooler through the mounting bracket system. This dynamic configuration allows the surface area to be available when needed while not permanently obstructing cooler access, resolving the contradiction between having a surface and ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If items are placed on the ground, then no additional structure is needed, but items are vulnerable to dirt, steps, and wildlife
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly elevates items from ground level to an elevated surface mounted on the cooler, transitioning from a ground-based solution to an elevated structure. This dimensional change protects items from ground-level contaminants while maintaining relative simplicity through the mounting bracket design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a table assembly is mounted to the cooler, then items are kept off the ground and safe from contamination, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the table assembly and the cooler. This mediator provides a standardized interface that simplifies the attachment process, allowing the table to be securely mounted while keeping the overall system relatively simple through the use of this intermediate mounting mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A table assembly can include a table including a support portion and a mounting portion; and a mounting bracket defining a mounting slot, the mounting slot receiving the mounting portion. The support portion can be cantilevered. The mounting bracket can define a top side and a bottom side; and the mounting slot can extend from the top side to the bottom side.